The following are some of the signs or symptoms of hemorrhoids:
1. The number one sign of hemorrhoids is bleeding. Unlikely bleeding of the anus is something that can be presumed as a sign of hemorrhoids. Bleeding from the rectum usually get into notice during bowel movement wherein there is a stain of blood in the stool. It is best to immediately see a doctor if there is occurrence of any bleeding from the anal canal before, during, or after a bowel movement. One, however, should take into consideration that bleeding in the anus can also be another form of disorder/sickness, and might not be necessarily a cause of hemorrhoids.
One driving factor why one should see a doctor right away is the discomfort and embarrassment brought by bleeding. Bleeding from the behind can stain your clothes which will probably result to humiliation especially if it happens that you are in a public place.
2. Another sign of hemorrhoids is the observable change in the form, size and color of your stool. Since hemorrhoids can cause blockage in the anal canal, narrowing the stool's passageway, a thin-sized, dark-colored stool may be indicative hemorrhoids.
3. Any pain from the rectal area that is not caused by a physical injury can be another sign of hemorrhoids. Unusual intense pain in the anus which does not subside easily is something that should be consulted to a doctor. External hemorrhoids are more prone to so much pain than internal hemorrhoids because it is the one that gets easily touch or irritated from the outside. Pain is sometimes being accompanied with bleeding.
4. Discharges from the anus may also indicate hemorrhoids. These anal discharges may be brought about by irritation or swelling of the internal hemorrhoids.
5. Mysterious lumps, bulges, swellings or sore spots in the anal canal or rectum are something that should also be looked into because this can also be another sign of hemorrhoids. Any sac-like protrusion in the anus can be a cause of swelling due to too much pressure in the blood vessels at the hemorrhoids. Lumps brought by hemorrhoids vary in sizes - there are small-medium sizes of lumps, while there are other protrusions that are large enough that it tangles. Unusual bulging tissue from the anus that does not disappear or return to its normal size can be a signal that it is something as serious as hemorrhoids. To sum it all up, there are four different degrees (or grades) of hemorrhoids. Symptoms and treatments will depend on the kind of grade where the hemorrhoids belong:
- First Grade Hemorrhoids: This stage may occur in the internal or external anus. Oftentimes, a first grade hemorrhoids is characterized by bleeding.
- Second Grade Hemorrhoids: Hemorrhoids may draw back in into the anal canal. In this grade, bleeding may not necessarily be present.
- Third Grade Hemorrhoids: Hemorrhoids that protrude from the opening of the anus due to too much pressure exerted in the anus. Hemorrhoids however may be easily pushed back into the canal.
- Fourth Grade Hemorrhoids: Hemorrhoids that protrude out of the anus but cannot be pushed back in manually.